Energy-activation mechanisms for surgical instruments

ABSTRACT

A surgical instrument includes a housing, energizable member, first activation switch, cable assembly, and second activation switch. The housing is operatively associated with the energizable member. The first activation switch is coupled to the energizable member and is selectively transitionable from an open condition to a closed condition. The cable assembly is coupled to the housing at a first end and includes a plug at a second, opposite end, the plug housing a second activation switch selectively transitionable from an open condition to a closed condition. The plug is adapted to connect to the source of electrosurgical energy, wherein transitioning of the first activation switch from the open condition to the closed condition transitions the second activation switch from the open condition to the closed condition such that the second activation switch communicates with the source of electrosurgical energy to initiate the supply of energy to the energizable member.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/799,853, filed on Jul. 15, 2015, which claims the benefit ofand priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/042,536, filedon Aug. 27, 2014, the entire contents of each of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to energy-activation mechanisms forsurgical instruments and, more particularly, to activation mechanismsfor selectively initiating the supply of energy to tissue.

Background of Related Art

Various different types of surgical instruments utilize energy to treattissue. For example, a bipolar electrosurgical forceps typically includetwo generally opposing electrodes charged to different electricalpotentials for conducting energy therebetween and through tissue.Bipolar electrosurgical forceps utilize both mechanical clamping actionand electrical energy to effect hemostasis by heating tissue and bloodvessels to coagulate and/or cauterize tissue. Certain surgicalprocedures require more than simply cauterizing tissue and rely on theunique combination of clamping pressure, precise electrosurgical energycontrol and gap distance (i.e., distance between opposing jaw memberswhen closed about tissue) to “seal” tissue.

Monopolar surgical instruments, as another example, include an activeelectrode, and are used in conjunction with a remote return electrode,e.g., a return pad, to apply energy to tissue. Monopolar instrumentshave the ability to rapidly move through tissue and dissect throughnarrow tissue planes.

In some surgical procedures, it may be beneficial to use both bipolarand monopolar instrumentation, e.g., procedures where it is necessary todissect through one or more layers of tissue in order to reachunderlying tissue(s) to be sealed. Further, it may be beneficial,particularly with respect to endoscopic surgical procedures, to providea single instrument incorporating both bipolar and monopolar features,thereby obviating the need to alternatingly remove and insert thebipolar and monopolar instruments in favor of one another.

Regardless of the particular configuration, energy-activation mechanismsincluding activation buttons and electrical switches are typicallyprovided on the housings or hand-pieces of the surgical instruments toenable a surgeon to selectively initiate the supply of energy to tissue.Typically, these mechanisms are physically sealed to prevent the ingressof fluids which may trigger an errant signal that inadvertentlyactivates the supply of energy

SUMMARY

As used herein, the term “distal” refers to the portion that is beingdescribed that is further from a user, while the term “proximal” refersto the portion that is being described that is closer to a user.Further, to the extent consistent, any of the aspects described hereinmay be used in conjunction with any of the other aspects describedherein.

In accordance with the present disclosure, a surgical instrument isprovided including a housing, an energizable member, a first activationswitch, a cable assembly, and a second activation switch. The housing isoperatively associated with the energizable member. The first activationswitch is coupled to the energizable member and is selectivelytransitionable from an open condition to a closed condition. The cableassembly is coupled to the housing at a first end and includes a plug ata second, opposite end, the plug housing a second activation switchselectively transitionable from an open condition to a closed condition.The plug is adapted to connect to the source of electrosurgical energy,wherein transitioning of the first activation switch from the opencondition to the closed condition transitions the second activationswitch from the open condition to the closed condition such that thesecond activation switch communicates with the source of electrosurgicalenergy to initiate the supply of energy to the energizable member. Thesecond activation switch is isolated from the first activation switch toprevent any environmental conditions affecting the surgical instrumentfrom inadvertently communicating with the source of electrosurgicalenergy to initiate the supply of energy to the energizable member.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, the surgicalinstrument is an electrosurgical pencil.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, thesurgical instrument is a surgical forceps.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the energizable memberincludes a monopolar assembly.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the first activationswitch includes an electrical circuit, mechanical actuator,electromechanical actuator, or optical actuator.

In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the second activationswitch includes an electrical circuit, mechanical actuator,electromechanical actuator, or optical actuator.

In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, a surgicalinstrument is provided including a housing, an energizable member, afirst activation switch, a cable assembly, and a second activationswitch. The housing is operatively associated with the energizablemember. The first activation switch is coupled to the energizable memberand is selectively transitionable from an open condition to a closedcondition to provide a first signal above a first threshold. The cableassembly is coupled to the housing at a first end and includes a plug ata second opposite end, the plug housing a second activation switchselectively transitionable from an open condition to a closed condition,the second activation switch transitioned from an open condition to theclose condition upon receipt of the first signal and configured toprovide a second signal above a second threshold upon closure of thesecond activation switch. The plug is adapted to connect to the sourceof electrosurgical energy such that transitioning of the secondactivation switch from the open condition to the closed conditionposition provides the second signal to the source of electrosurgicalenergy to initiate the supply of energy to the energizable member,wherein the second signal is above a second threshold and below thefirst threshold. The second activation switch is isolated from the firstactivation switch to prevent any environmental conditions affecting thesurgical instrument from inadvertently communicating with the source ofelectrosurgical energy to initiate the supply of energy to theenergizable member.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the first threshold is apredetermined value sufficient to transition the second activationswitch from the open condition to the closed condition.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the predetermined value isa voltage.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the second activationswitch includes at least one transistor, the at least one transistortransitionable from the open condition to the closed condition uponreceiving the predetermined voltage from the first activation switch.

In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, a surgicalinstrument is provided including a housing, an energizable member, afirst activation switch, a cable assembly, and a second activationswitch. The housing is operatively associated with the energizablemember. The first activation switch is coupled to the energizable memberand is selectively transitionable from an open condition to a closedcondition. The cable assembly is coupled to the housing at a first endand includes a plug at a second, opposite end, the plug housing a secondactivation switch selectively transitionable from an open condition to aclosed condition, the second activation switch comprising a first memberand a second member. The first member is movably attached to the firstactivation switch by a pull wire, the plug is adapted to connect to thesource of electrosurgical energy such that the movement of the firstactivation switch from the open condition to the closed conditiontensions the pull wire such that the first member moves from a firstposition, wherein the first member and the second member arespaced-apart from one another, to a second position, wherein the firstmember and the second member share a point of contact. The secondactivation switch transitions from an open condition to a closedcondition upon the first member achieving the second position, wherein,in the closed condition, the second activation switch communicates withthe source of electrosurgical energy to initiate the supply of energy tothe energizable member. The second activation switch is isolated fromthe first activation switch to prevent any environmental conditionsaffecting the surgical instrument from inadvertently communicating withthe source of electrosurgical energy to initiate the supply of energy tothe energizable member.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, a spring is attached to thefirst member at a point opposite the pull wire such that the spring hasa spring bias to return the first member to the first position when thefirst activation switch is open.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various aspects of the present disclosure are described herein withreference to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identifysimilar or identical elements:

FIG. 1 is a front, perspective, partial schematic view of an endoscopicsurgical forceps configured for use in accordance with the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, front, perspective view of an end effectorassembly of the forceps of FIG. 1, wherein jaw members of the endeffector assembly are disposed in a spaced-apart position and wherein amonopolar assembly is disposed in a retracted position;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, rear, perspective view of the end effectorassembly of FIG. 2, wherein the jaw members are disposed in anapproximated position and wherein the monopolar assembly is disposed ina deployed position;

FIG. 4 is a side, cut-away, partial schematic view of the forceps ofFIG. 1 showing the circuitry of the activation switch and the plugswitch, wherein the internal components of the forceps have been removedfor clarity purposes;

FIG. 5 is a side, cut-away, partial schematic view of an electrosurgicalpencil configured for use in accordance with the present disclosure,showing the circuitry of the activation switch and the plug switch;

FIG. 6 is a side, cut-away view of another forceps configured for use inaccordance with the present disclosure, similar to the forceps of FIG.1, showing the configuration of the activation switch and plug switch,wherein the internal components of the forceps have been removed forclarity purposes;

FIG. 6A is an enlarged, cut-away view of the plug of the forceps of FIG.6; and

FIG. 7 is a side, cut-away view of another electrosurgical pencilconfigured for use in accordance with the present disclosure, similar tothe pencil of FIG. 5, showing the configuration of the activation switchand plug switch, wherein the internal components of the pencil have beenremoved for clarity purposes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, a forceps provided in accordance with thepresent disclosure is shown generally identified by reference numeral10. Forceps 10, as will be described below, is configured to operate inboth a bipolar mode, e.g., for grasping, treating, and/or dissectingtissue, and a monopolar mode, e.g., for treating and/or dissectingtissue. Although the present disclosure is shown and described withrespect to forceps 10, the aspects and features of the presentdisclosure are equally applicable for use with any suitable surgicalinstrument or portion(s) thereof for actuating, moving, and/or deployingthe assemblies and/or components of the surgical instrument. Forexample, the aspects and features of the present disclosure are equallyapplicable for use with an electrosurgical pencil, such as that shown inFIG. 5, or any other suitable energy-based device. Obviously, differentconnections and considerations apply to each particular instrument andthe assemblies and/or components thereof; however, the aspects andfeatures of the present disclosure remain generally consistentregardless of the particular instrument, assemblies, and/or componentsprovided.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 1-4, forceps 10 defines alongitudinal axis “X” and includes an activation button 4, a housing 20,a handle assembly 30, a trigger assembly 60, a cable assembly 70, alever assembly 80, an end effector assembly 100, and a monopolarassembly 200. Forceps 10 further includes a shaft 12 having a distal end14 configured to mechanically engage end effector assembly 100 and aproximal end 16 that mechanically engages housing 20. Housing 20 housesthe internal working components of forceps 10.

Cable assembly 70 includes an electrosurgical cable 72 having a plug 73at its free end for connecting forceps 10 to a generator “G” or othersuitable power source, although forceps 10 may alternatively beconfigured as a battery powered instrument having the power andenergy-generating components mounted on or within housing 20. Plug 73 isdescribed in greater detail below. Cable 72 includes one or more wires(not shown) extending therethrough that connect to a bipolar activationswitch (not shown) associated with activation button 4, and one or morewires (not shown) having sufficient length to extend through shaft 12 inorder to connect to one or both of the electrically-conductive plates112, 122 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively, for supplying energythereto upon activation of the activation button 4 in a bipolar mode.Wires 72 a, 72 b of cable 72 (see FIG. 4), on the other hand, arecoupled to a first activation switch 74 associated with activationbutton 4 and monopolar assembly 200, respectively, e.g., for supplyingenergy to monopolar assembly 200 upon activation of activation button 4in a monopolar mode. As an alternative to providing a single activationbutton 4 associated within both the bipolar activation switch (notshown) and first activation switch 74 that initiates the supply ofenergy to the appropriate component(s) depending on the mode ofoperation of forceps 10, e.g., the bipolar mode or the monopolar mode,separate activation buttons may be provided.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, end effector assembly 100 is shown attached at adistal end 14 of shaft 12 and includes a pair of opposing jaw members110, 120 pivotably coupled to one another about a pivot 102. Each of thejaw members 110 and 120 includes an electrically-insulative outer jawhousing 111, 121; an electrically-conductive plate 112, 122 disposedatop respective jaw housings 111, 121; and a proximally-extending flange114, 124, respectively (see FIG. 2). Pivot 102 extends through flanges114, 124 to pivotably couple jaw members 110, 120 to one another. One orboth of electrically-conductive plates 112, 122 are adapted to connectto a source of electrosurgical energy, such as, for example, generator“G,” for conducting energy therebetween and through tissue graspedbetween jaw members 110, 120 to treat, e.g., seal, tissue. Morespecifically, in some embodiments, end effector assembly 200 defines abipolar configuration wherein electrically-conductive plate 112 ischarged to a first electrical potential and electrically-conductiveplate 122 is charged to a second, different electrical potential suchthat an electrical potential gradient is created for conducting energybetween electrically-conductive plates 112, 122 and through tissuegrasped therebetween for treating e.g., sealing, tissue. Activationbutton 4, which is associated with an activation switch 74 coupledbetween generator “G” and plates 112, 122, allows the user toselectively apply energy to plates 112, 122 of end effector assembly 100during a bipolar mode of operation. Although various activationmechanisms are detailed below with respect to activating the supply ofenergy to monopolar assembly 200, such activation mechanisms maysimilarly be configured for activating the supply of energy toelectrically-conductive plates 112, 122.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 1-3, monopolar assembly 200 includesan insulative sleeve 204 and an energizable rod member 206. Insulativesleeve 204 is slidably disposed about shaft 12 and is configured fortranslation about and relative to shaft 12 between a retracted position(see FIG. 2), where insulative sleeve 204 is disposed proximally of endeffector assembly 100, and a deployed position (see FIG. 3), whereininsulative sleeve 204 is substantially disposed about end effector 100so as to electrically insulate electrically-conductive plates 112, 122of jaw members 110, 120, respectively. Energizable rod member 206extends through sleeve 204 and distally therefrom, ultimately definingan electrically-conductive distal tip 208. Distal tip 226 may behook-shaped (as shown), or may define any other suitable configuration,e.g., linear, ball circular, angled, etc. Energizable rod member 206and, more specifically, distal tip 208 thereof, functions as the activeelectrode of monopolar assembly 200.

Sleeve 204 and rod member 206 may be fixedly engaged to one another suchthat sleeve 204 and rod member 206 move in concert with one anotherbetween their retracted positions (see FIG. 2), collectively theretracted position of monopolar assembly 200, and their deployedpositions (see FIG. 3), collectively the deployed position of monopolarassembly 200. Insulative sleeve 204 and/or energizable rod member 206are further coupled to lever assembly 80 such that actuation of leverassembly 80 effects corresponding deployment of insulative sleeve 204and energizable rod member 206. Accordingly, actuation of lever 82 maybe effected to move insulative sleeve 204 and energizable rod member 206from the retracted position (see FIG. 2) to the deployed position (seeFIG. 3).

Lever assembly 80 is disposed within a recess 24 defined on an exteriorside surface of housing 20 (although lever assembly 80 may also bepositioned at any other suitable location) and includes a lever 82 thatis rotatable about a pivot 84 between a proximal position, wherein freeend 86 of lever 82 is disposed at a proximal end 25 of recess 24, and adistal position, wherein free end 86 of lever 82 is disposed at a distalend 26 of recess 24. In configurations where lever assembly 80 defines asymmetrical configuration, a pair of levers 82 are provided on eitherside of housing 20, each of which is coupled to one end of pivot 84.Pivot 84 is rotatably coupled to housing 20 and extends through housing20 ultimately coupling to monopolar assembly 200 via any suitablelinkages, gears, etc. such that actuation of lever 82 effects deploymentof monopolar assembly 200, e.g., moving of insulative sleeve 204 andenergizable rod member 206 from their retracted positions (see FIG. 2)to their deployed positions (see FIG. 3).

With reference to FIG. 4 in particular, wires 72 a and 72 b, asmentioned above, extend from electrosurgical cable 72 through housing 20and are coupled to first activation switch 74 and energizable rod member206, respectively, to provide energy to energizable rod member 206(FIGS. 2 and 3) upon actuation of activation button 4. Morespecifically, activation button 4 is movable between a first position,corresponding to the open condition of first activation switch 74, and asecond position, corresponding the closed condition of first activationswitch 74. In the closed condition of first activation switch 74, thereis a definite resistance R1 across the first activation switch 74. Asdetailed below, a second activation switch 76 is provided within plug 73of cable assembly 70. Second activation switch 76 is transitionable froman open condition to a closed condition. In the closed condition ofsecond activation switch 76, there is a definite resistance R2 acrossthe second activation switch 76.

Upon closing first activation switch 74, e.g., due to the depression ofactivation button 4, the electrical circuit of first activation switch74 is complete and the definite resistance R1 across activation switch74 is established. As such, a first signal, in the form of a voltage,for example, is relayed to second activation switch 76. This firstsignal, or voltage, is transmitted via wires 72 a and is sufficient toclose second activation 76. In embodiments, second activation switch 76is a transistor “T.” In such embodiments, the voltage signal issufficient to satisfy the voltage threshold of transistor “T,” therebyclosing second activation switch 76. When second activation switch 76 isclosed, the electrical circuit of second activation switch 76 is closedand a definite resistance R2 across second activation switch 76 isestablished. As such, a second signal, in the form of a voltage, forexample, is relayed to the source of electrosurgical energy “G,” towhich plug 73 is coupled. Upon receipt of such the second signal, thesupply of energy to energizable rod member 206 (FIGS. 2 and 3) may beinitiated.

It is understood that the ingress of fluids, such as, for example, bloodinto a switch can unwantedly close an electrical circuit. In suchsituations, an errant signal may be sent to the source ofelectrosurgical energy to energize an energizable member. To preventthis situation, switches have been physically sealed to prevent theingress of fluids. In accordance with the present disclosure, the secondactivation switch is isolated from the first activation switch toprevent any environmental conditions affecting the surgical instrumentfrom inadvertently communicating with the source of electrosurgicalenergy to initiate the supply of energy to the energizable member. Inparticular, the present disclosure uses a two-step activation process,as detailed above, to obviate the need for the physical sealing ofswitches. Using the two-step activation process nullifies the effects offluid ingression into a switch, such as, for example, first activationswitch 74, because in order to communicate with the source ofelectrosurgical energy “G,” the second activation switch 76 has to alsobe activated. Ingress of fluids, such as blood, into first activationswitch 74 may close first activation switch 74 and establish aresistance R3 across the first activation switch 74; wherein R1 is lessthan R3. As such, with a higher resistance R3 across first activationswitch 74, the first signal, e.g., voltage, supplied from firstactivation switch 74 to second activation switch 76 would beinsufficient to close second activation switch 76. Therefore, the firstsignal required to close section activation switch 74 would only besufficient where the resistance across the first activation switch 74 isR1 or lower.

Resistance R2 may be greater than R1, such that a relatively smallersecond signal, e.g., voltage, is transmitted from second activationswitch 76 to the energy source “G.” Such a configuration is allowablebecause fluid ingress is not a concern with plug 73, which is remotelypositioned relative to blood and other bodily and/or surgical fluids.Further, R2 may be set equal to the resistance value of the firstactivation switch 74 in housing 20, such that compatibility with theenergy source “G′ is not a concern and/or such that settings do not needto be adjusted. Thus, the need to seal the first activation switch 74 isobviated, while the input signal to energy source “G” remains unchanged.

To better understand the two-step activation detailed above, an exampleembodiment is described. In this embodiment, the required output firstsignal S1 is a predetermined 5 volt DC signal established upon closureof first activation switch 74. Said another way, in order to overcomethe first threshold, first signal S1 has to be 5 volts DC. In situationswhere there is an ingress of fluids in the first activation switch 74,S1 would be less than the required 5 volts DC because the resistance R3of the fluids is greater than the resistance R1 of the first activationswitch 74. Upon receipt of first signal S1 at the second activationswitch 76, transistor “T” is transitioned to the closed condition,wherein the resistance R2 in the second activation switch 76 isestablished. Closure of second activation switch 76, in turn, outputs asecond signal S2 from the second activation switch 76 (according to theresistance R2). This second signal S2 is received by the source ofelectrosurgical energy “G” and is sufficient to initiate the supply ofenergy from the source of electrosurgical energy “G” to energizable rodmember 206 through wire 72 b.

It is contemplated that, in one embodiment, the two-step activationprocess is applied to an electrosurgical pencil 400 as shown in FIG. 5.The two-step activation process applied to electrosurgical pencil 400 issimilar to that of forceps 10 discussed above. Electrosurgical pencil400 defines a longitudinal axis “Y” and includes activation buttons 404,a housing 420, a cable assembly 470, and an end effector assembly 410.Housing 420 houses the internal working components of electrosurgicalpencil 400, including a first activation switch 474. Cable assembly 470includes an electrosurgical cable 472 having a plug 473 at its free endfor connecting electrosurgical pencil 400 to a generator “G” or anothersuitable power source. However, it is contemplated that in oneembodiment, electrosurgical pencil 400 may alternatively be configuredas a battery powered instrument having the power and energy-generatingcomponents on or within housing 420. Plug 473 includes a secondactivation switch 476. Cable 472 is coupled to a first activation switch474 associated with activation buttons 404 and end effector assembly 410for supplying monopolar energy upon activation of activation buttons404.

The two-step activation process may be applied to forceps 300 as shownin FIG. 6. Forceps 300 is similar to forceps 10 as discussed above withthe exception of activation switches 374 and 376. Continuing withreference to FIG. 6, activation switches 374, 376 may alternativelyinclude mechanical actuators, electromechanical actuators, or opticalactuators. For example, in one embodiment, first activation switch 374,similar to first activation switch 74, includes a mechanical actuator304 where first activation switch 374 is selectively transitional froman open condition to a closed condition by moving mechanical actuator304 from a first position to a second position as shown by arrow A1. Inthis embodiment, second activation switch 376 comprises a first member302 and a second member 304. First member 302 extends longitudinallybetween a proximal end 302 a and a distal end 302 b. Proximal end 302 aof first member 302 is coupled to plug 373 using a biasing member, suchas, for example, spring 306. The biasing member may not be limited to aspring and may be any mechanism or component that provides a suitablebias. Distal end 302 b of first member 302 is operably connected tofirst activation switch 374 using pull wire 308. As such, movement offirst activation switch 374 from the first position to the secondposition according to arrow Al tensions the pull wire 308. Undertension, the first member 302 moves in the direction of arrow B suchthat the first member 302 and the second member 304 share a point ofcontact C as shown in FIG. 6A. When the first member 302 and the secondmember 304 share the point of contact C, the second activation switch376 is activated (closed) and is able to communicate with the source ofelectrosurgical energy “G” to provide energy to energizable member 310.When the pull wire 308 is not under tension, first member 302 is movedback to the first position given by arrow B1 by biasing member 306. Inthe first position, first member 302 and second member 304 do not sharea point of contact C and the second activation switch 376 is notactivated (remains open).

The above-detailed embodiment of activations switches 374, 376 maylikewise be applied to an electrosurgical pencil 500 as shown in FIG. 7.Electrosurgical pencil 500 is similar to electrosurgical 400 discussedabove with the exception of activation switches 574 and 576, which aresimilar to that of forceps 300. In particular, activation switches 574and 576 may alternatively include mechanical actuators,electromechanical actuators, or optical actuators. In one embodiment,electrosurgical pencil 500 includes a mechanical actuator 504 toselectively transition the first activation switch 574 from an opencondition to a closed condition. The two-step activation processdetailed with regards to activation switches 374 and 376 may likewise beapplied to this embodiment.

The various embodiments disclosed herein may also be configured to workwith robotic surgical systems and what is commonly referred to as“Telesurgery”. Such systems employ various robotic elements to assistthe surgeon in the operating theater and allow remote operation (orpartial remote operation) of surgical instrumentation. Various roboticarms, gears, cams, pulleys, electric and mechanical motors, etc. may beemployed for this purpose and may be designed with a robotic surgicalsystem to assist the surgeon during the course of an operation ortreatment. Such robotic systems may include, remotely steerable systems,automatically flexible surgical systems, remotely flexible surgicalsystems, remotely articulating surgical systems, wireless surgicalsystems, modular or selectively configurable remotely operated surgicalsystems, etc.

The robotic surgical systems may be employed with one or more consolesthat are next to the operating theater or located in a remote location.In this instance, one team of surgeons or nurses may prep the patientfor surgery and configure the robotic surgical system with one or moreof the instruments disclosed herein while another surgeon (or group ofsurgeons) remotely controls the instruments via the robotic surgicalsystem. As can be appreciated, a highly skilled surgeon may performmultiple operations in multiple locations without leaving his/her remoteconsole which can be both economically advantageous and a benefit to thepatient or a series of patients.

The robotic arms of the surgical system are typically coupled to a pairof master handles by a controller. The handles can be moved by thesurgeon to produce a corresponding movement of the working ends of anytype of surgical instrument (e.g., end effectors, graspers, knifes,scissors, etc.), which may complement the use of one or more of theembodiments described herein. The movement of the master handles may bescaled so that the working ends have a corresponding movement that isdifferent, smaller or larger, than the movement performed by theoperating hands of the surgeon. The scale factor or gearing ratio may beadjustable so that the operator can control the resolution of theworking ends of the surgical instrument(s).

The master handles may include various sensors to provide feedback tothe surgeon relating to various tissue parameters or conditions, e.g.,tissue resistance due to manipulation, cutting or otherwise treating,pressure by the instrument onto the tissue, tissue temperature, tissueimpedance, etc. As can be appreciated, such sensors provide the surgeonwith enhanced tactile feedback simulating actual operating conditions.The master handles may also include a variety of different actuators fordelicate tissue manipulation or treatment further enhancing thesurgeon's ability to mimic actual operating conditions.

From the foregoing and with reference to the various figure drawings,those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain modifications canalso be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scopeof the same. While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shownin the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limitedthereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope asthe art will allow and that the specification be read likewise.Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting,but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilledin the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spiritof the claims appended hereto.

1-18. (canceled)
 19. A surgical system, comprising: a surgical generatorconfigured to selectively supply energy; and a surgical instrumentconfigured to receive the selectively supplied energy from the surgicalgenerator, the surgical instrument including: a housing; a firstactivation switch coupled to the housing and selectively transitionablefrom a first condition to a second condition; and a cable assemblycoupled to the housing at a first end and having a plug at a second,opposite end, the plug including a second activation switch selectivelytransitionable from a first condition to a second condition, the plugconfigured to directly connect to the surgical generator, whereintransitioning of the first activation switch from the first condition tothe second condition signals the second activation switch to transitionfrom the first condition to the second condition, thereby signaling thegenerator to supply energy to the surgical instrument.
 20. The surgicalsystem according to claim 19, wherein the first electrical activationswitch is configured to be manually transitioned from the firstcondition to the second condition.
 21. The surgical system according toclaim 19, wherein the second activation switch is configured to beautomatically transitioned from the first condition to the secondcondition.
 22. The surgical system according to claim 19, wherein theselectively supplied energy is electrosurgical energy.
 23. The surgicalsystem according to claim 19, wherein the first activation switchincludes an electrical circuit, mechanical actuator, electromechanicalactuator, or optical actuator.
 24. The surgical system according toclaim 19, wherein the second activation switch includes an electricalcircuit, mechanical actuator, electromechanical actuator, or opticalactuator.
 25. The surgical system according to claim 19, wherein thefirst and second activation switches are electrical switches.
 26. Thesurgical system according to claim 19, wherein the first activationswitch is a mechanical switch and the second activation switch is anelectrical switch.
 27. The surgical system according to claim 19,wherein the first and second conditions of the first activation switchare open and closed conditions, respectively.
 28. The surgical systemaccording to claim 19, wherein the first and second conditions of thesecond activation switch are open and closed conditions, respectively.29. The surgical system according to claim 19, wherein the surgicalinstrument further includes an energizable member, and wherein theselectively supplied energy is provided from the surgical generator tothe energizable member to energize the energizable member.
 30. Thesurgical system according to claim 29, wherein the selectively suppliedenergy is provided from the surgical generator to the energizable memberalong an electrical path that is electrically isolated from the firstactivation switch.
 31. The surgical system according to claim 29,wherein the selectively supplied energy is provided from the surgicalgenerator to the energizable member along an electrical path that iselectrically isolated from the second activation switch.
 32. Thesurgical system according to claim 29, wherein the selectively suppliedenergy is provided from the surgical generator to the energizable memberalong an electrical path that is electrically isolated from both thefirst and second activation switches.